Syringobulbia is a rare entity and refers to a syrinx that extends into the medulla oblongata 1.
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Terminology
Some authors use syringobulbia to refer to a syrinx present in any portion of the brainstem rather than specifically involving the medulla oblongata, and therefore encompassing syringopontia and syringomesencephaly as well. This article considers the nuances in these definitions and discusses extension of the syrinx only into the medulla oblongata.
Clinical presentation
Patients with this condition demonstrate a wide variety of bulbar neurological symptoms as well as symptoms relating to syringomyelia, depending on where exactly the syrinx is located 1.
Pathology
When present, it is seen in continuity with a long syrinx that demonstrates syringomyelia 1,2. It is pathologically identical to syringomyelia, as simply an extension of the collection of cerebrospinal fluid within the cord with dissection through the ependymal lining of the central canal of the spinal cord.
There are numerous causes and associations, and these are discussed in more depth in the general article on syrinx.
Radiographic features
Syringobulbia has the same radiographic characteristics on all imaging modalities as any other syrinx 1. See syrinx for an in-depth discussion of these characteristics.
Treatment and prognosis
When symptomatic, neurosurgical intervention may be required 1.
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